Downsizing a house or cleaning out a relative's home forces family members to decide what to do with non-titled property or "the stuff". Personal things like photographs, a baseball glove, or a yellow pie plate can have meaning for several people. Families need to divide and distribute family treasures. Decisions about both titled and non-titled property are important.

Whether handled at the time of death or during one's lifetime, planning for transfer of personal things can be a challenge. Decisions made by owners prior to death allow the person transferring property to reflect. They can consider the recipients' wishes. The owner can eliminate misunderstandings about his or her wishes.

Transferring property can be a time to celebrate a person's life. It's a time to share memories and stories. It can be a way to continue traditions and family history.

When decisions are made after a death, they may not accurately reflect the owner's wishes. Sometimes, more than one person feels they have been promised the same item.

"Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?" is about transferring non-titled property. The large print, 95 page workbook has nine worksheets. They guide people through the decision process. The workbook costs $12.50. You can order it from the University of Minnesota Extension Service. For credit card orders, call (800) 876-8636. In the Twin Cities, call (612) 624-4900. Or fax your order to (612) 625-6281. Request Item MI6686-PP, Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate Workbook. There is also a 13 minute video about the issues and six critical factors. The video costs $30. It is Item # VH-6692-PP.

More information, a sample worksheet, and a video clip are available at Yellow Pie Plate

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